Black clouds could have cast over the Hudson River Saturday, as Clearwater marked its first Great Hudson River Revival without its two founders.

Timothy Malcolm

Black clouds could have cast over the Hudson River Saturday, as Clearwater marked its first Great Hudson River Revival without its two founders.

But Clearwater's founders stood for harmony, unity and human solutions. They rallied with song and statement, standing against war, marching for civil rights and cleaning a mighty river. So it's no surprise that as the Como Mamas bellowed hearty gospel songs of spiritual awakening, a brilliant sun splashed on the grounds of Croton Point Park. The Hudson River, still and crisp on this first day of summer, welcomed boats of all shapes, including the great sloop Clearwater.

Saturday the Great Hudson River Revival occurred for the first time without Pete Seeger, the giant folk singer and activist who called Beacon home, and Toshi Seeger, his wife whose strong shoulder and loving arms gave support to all who craved peace. The festival started early, with thousands descending on the park by 11 a.m., and it didn't miss a beat.

Luane Haggerty stood on stage with the Como Mamas. Draped in blue and green, Haggerty sang with the gospel vocalists, projecting her hands with deep heart and fluid grace. An American Sign Language interpreter who learned because her grandmother was deaf, the Newburgh native has been performing at the Revival for nearly two decades. It's one of the few festivals that utilizes regular ASL interpreting.

"I think it's a real statement, a commitment to the deaf community," Haggerty said. "Having the access is a statement to Pete and Toshi and inclusion."

Haggerty, like many people who regularly attend the Revival, knew time wasn't long for the Seegers. Last year Toshi sat in blankets while a frailer Pete slowly but surely stayed with the beat during a sing-along. Toshi died in July and Pete stayed alive a bit longer, passing in January.

But Haggerty, and longtime fans like Deb Trento of Niantic, Conn., returned to the Revival not only to honor Pete and Toshi, but to continue standing against war, marching for civil rights and cleaning a mighty river.

"When Pete and Toshi died it was a very sad affair for us," Trento said, "but also to always remember to celebrate the music." So she and friend Marilyn Lowney, also of Niantic, sang "This Little Light of Mine" at the local church.

And Haggerty continues to perform ASL. After working with the Como Mamas, Haggerty walked through the Toshi & Pete Walkway, a winding exhibit that details the couple's activism. She took a few photos and gazed at the images of the couple before stopping beside a large yellow peace sign filled with messages written for Pete and Toshi.

"I keep looking around and thinking I see him," Haggerty said.

She paused and gazed around. The river was glimmering from the brilliant sunshine. The blue sky lifted high and neatly painted a backdrop for the Palisades Interstate Park just a stone's throw away, its lush green marking a perfect first day of summer.

"Maybe," she continued, then laughed. "Spirits roam."

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